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Gahanna Ohio's Best Kept Secrets

Aug 21, 2017

Engaging with locals during a vacation offers an entirely different experience than just exploring a place alone. Local residents can offer insider tips, fun folklore and history stories, as well as great recommendations for can’t-miss attractions and eateries. The end result is that you enjoy a richer experience and go home with memories to last a lifetime.

We asked our Visit Gahanna staff for their BEST Insider Tips about the Herb Capital of Ohio. Here’s our “Don’t Miss” list …

Visit Gahanna App. Downloading this app to your smartphone is like having a local in your pocket. Tap sample itineraries, offers for FREE Gahanna stuff (plus discounts and deals), info on the Herbal Cocktail and Sweet Tooth Trails, and much more.

Creekside Park & Plaza.Gahanna’s gem. Here, beautiful-park-meets-entertainment-district. Enjoy walking paths, waterfalls, gardens, fountains and even a paddleboat ride ($5 per half-hour/ available seasonally). Fish, wade in the water, enjoy a dinner or glass of wine from one of many restaurant patios or just escape the everyday chaos. (Best photo op backdrop: Creekside Waterfall.) And stop across the street to discover the Ohio Herb Center!

Speaking of the Creekside District, don’t miss the many options for great patio dining. It’s hard to beat a summer/fall evening on the patio at Barrel & Boar Gahannawith the great views, waterside patio, food and ambiance. Enjoy live music Thursdays, featuring local musicians. And the smoky, yummy BBQ? What else do you need?

Take a bike ride and discover miles and miles of trails. Whether you’re an amateur or enthusiast rider, follow the beautiful and scenic Big Walnut Trail that winds through Creekside Park. Then travel south along the creek, and it will take you all the way to Hamilton Rd./I-270

Looking for an indoor spot for kids to burn off some energy? Lazer Kraze offer a massive trampoline room, lazer tag, arcade games and more. (Tip: Check the website for deals!)

101 Beer Kitchen Kids Menu. Go for the great made-fresh-daily seasonal menus and herb-inspired cocktails and take the kiddos for some amazing , made-from-scratch kids meals that will make everyone happy. (Tip: Visit Gahanna app users can snag a FREE order of loaded, housemade Tater Tots in the Deals section!)

From Visit Gahanna’s annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival to Gahanna Parks “Creepside,” no one does puts on events like Gahanna does! One of our favorites is the annual Santa Race 5k & Little Reindeer Dash—held annually, the first Saturday morning in December. Picture Runners in costumes (with great prizes awarded), a Santa-led Zumba warm-up, little kids sprinting (or wandering aimlessly) during the Little Reindeer Dash, as well as holiday carols and jingle bells. Whether you’re an exercise devotee, like to walk, want to ease your guilt over the holiday cookies you’ve been eating, or just want to have fun with a group of friends, THIS is the event you shouldn’t miss.

Gahanna is quickly becoming a Popcorn Haven! K’s Kernels offers creative flavors like Cilantro Lime and Cookies & Cream (as well as classic favorites). Pick up some Chicago Style at Pam’s Popcorn to share and it will make you a hero at work or home (if it makes it that far). ­

Thrive Massage & Wellness. We’re big fans of this massage and wellness studio … from their full spectrum infrared sauna to their relaxing massages and great workshops. (Feng Shui for Prosperity, anyone?) Seriously, you deserve this.

There are so many scenic spots in Gahanna, it’s difficult to name the best ones. But we’ll try:

Visit The Golf Depot for a breathtaking view of the Columbus skyline. Not only do they host golfers, but also weddings, special events and diners—on their patio.

A hidden gem, the confluence of the Big Walnut and Rocky Fork creeks (accessible through Friendship Park) is absolutely breathtaking.

During the autumn, a brilliant canopy of color surrounds drivers that traverse Cherry Bottom Drive. The speed limit is 25 MPH, and best observed … especially this time of year.

What are we missing? What are your favorite Gahanna spots? To learn more about the Herb Capital of Ohio, explore www.VisitGahanna.com or call Visit Gahanna at 614/418-9114.